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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





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PR 4453 

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[ 1812 A CO MED Y 3 

I Copy 1 




IN FIVE ACTS 



BY STEPHEN CLARKE. 



{from the first London edition, of 1811.] 



NEW-YOPvK : 



PUBLISHED BY THE LONGWORTHS, 

At the Dramatic Repository, 
S/iakspeare- Gallery* 

March— \%\% 



■ ' ■ 



■ ■■"■■■ 






PROLOGUE. 

spoken by mr. Marshall. 

- Prologues, l ; ke faces in the public street, 
3 Though much resembling, none alike we meet 
Should combinations rare attract the view, 
No single feature is intirely new. 

With various modes essay the writing tribe, 
Of supplication, flattery, threat, or bribe : 
Since custom asks some words before the play, 
The wonted homage we respectful pay. 

Whilst numerous orbs from the dramatic skies 
Have set in darkness never more to rise; 
" Beaumont and Fletcher, those twin stars that run 
" Their glorious course round Shakspeare^s golden 

sun: 
Though in their path eccentric, dim with age, 
May yet supply fresh lights to glad the stage. 
To drop the metaphor, tis fit we tell, 
Lest like the daw with borrow'd plumes we swell 
These ancient bards our underplot supplied, 
Transform'd indeed, adapted, purified : 
If neatly blended, and adjusted right, 
i No flaw or patch incongruous shock the sight s 
I Candor will not the license now refuse, 
1 Granted to Cibber and to Farquhar^s muse.* 

{Superfluous is the deprecating strain, 
V With merit useless, and without it vain ;" 
j^etlet not in this sharply judging time, 
The wish to please be construed to a crime ; 
<jur hopes to you with confidence we trust, 
Convinced a british audience will be just. 

* See" Love makes a Man," and the " Inconstant" 
of these authors ; in bo'h which successful plays beau 
mont and Fletcher are put under heavier contri 
button than in (he present instance. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 



.Drury-Lane company 


at the 


Lyceum. 


Count Olmedo 


Mr. 


Putnam 


Octavio - 


— 


Waldegrave 


Leandro - 


— 


De Camp 


Sebastian 





Ray 


Gaspar ... 


— 


Wrench 


Bartolo - 


— 


Dowton 


Lopez - 


~_ 


Lovegrove 


Diego - 


~_ 


Knight 


Pedro - 


. 


Maddocks 


Sancho - 





Evans 


Perez - - f ,; .£ 


— 


Webb 


Orelia - 


Miss Duncan 


Amaranta - 


Mrs 


Orger 


Phcebe 


_ 


Scott 


Landlady - 


Miss Tidswell 



Algauzils, Servants, Masqueraders. 
scene — Seville. 



NOTE. 

The hint of the following comedy, as far as relates 
to the discovery of a secret door, was suggested by thi 
perusal of a tale in mr. Ellis' 's (i Specimen ofearfa 
english romances ," — in adapting a part of Fletchers 
61 Spanish curate' 1 '' as the underplot, I had conceived 
that an endeavor to familiarize the public with seems 
so excellent, yet so little known and so incapable of be- 
ing represented in their original form, 'would deserve 
e?ico> 



A 



THE KISS. 



A C T I. 



scene i — a street in Seville. 
enter gaspar and Sebastian. 

Gas. A prisoner in her chamber ; that's the tale I 

Seb I cannot credit it. A married lady 
Of such unblemisb/d carriage, so remote 
From fickleness and folly ! shall I tell you ? 
The count's wild jealousy sees double, Gaspar ; 
Creating what it fears. 

Gas. Henceforth be thou 
The women's advocate ; thou'U ne'er want fees. 
The count has sense ; by all the world esteem'd 
Open and just : men of such dispositions 
Suspect not without cause : tis passing strange 
A woman like the countess : a fair woman, 
A young fair woman ! should thus keep aloof 
From ail society ! there's meaning in it. 
Women who love to see and to be seen, 
Keep not their chamber willingly. The count 
Sees little company ; scarce goes abroad, 
And is at home a stern secluded man. 

Seb. What are the circumstances of the story ? 

Gas. What I have heard, I'll tell you. The last 
night 
Before they left their country seat at Palma, 
A strange occurrence it is said took place. 
!Fhe count was gone abroad : the ladv walk'd 
B 



6 THE [Clarke 

To enjoy the evening breezes in her garden ; 
Tempted to hear the warbling nightingales, 
She staid till somewhat laie ; unlucky chance 
Brought home the count before the expected time. 
For stealing to the bower — 

Seb. Say yon the bower ? 

Gas. Yes, in the bower a sound of mingled 

voices 
Was heard distinctly ; nay, report declares 
A parting kiss was absolutely given. 
The count alarmed and angry drew his sword, 
But entering found Orelia there alone : 
He raged and threat'ned — she disdainful, sullen, 
Refused all explanation. 

Seb. Who can guess 
The amorous knight ; for one we must suppose ! 

Gas. There we are all at fault. Our friend Lean- 
dro, 
I hear has recently return'd to Seville ; 
A wealthy heir, young, gay, and liberal ; 
Now from pure charity were this same spark 
Acquainted with the countess, I would pledge 
My rapier to an egg shell he's the man. 

Seb. See what it is to have a reputation. 
No butter woman's daughter makes a trip, 
But tis Leandro's business ; brown or fair. 
Lofty or low, she wears a cap, and so forth, 
And these suffice an universal lover. 

leandro enters from a house in the back sce-ne, fol* 
lowed by sancho. 

Leand. Inquire what hour the curate is at leisure, 
And bring me instant word. 

San. 1 will obey, sir. [exit 

Gas. Why — tis Leandro : so — your humble ser- 
vant. 
Are these your lodgings, next door to the count ? 
Leand. O my good friends— my fellow student? 
welcome ; 
What at vour hard meat still, your musty maxims. 



Aet I] KISS 7 

Your modes and syllogisms ? glory now 
Should be your only goddess: leave your logic 
And seek the camp ; tis there we live as men should : 
Out of our trammels. 

Gas. Yes, you learn abundance 
Of new devices. The report hath reach'd us — 
Your equipage and your expense: your treats 
And balls to ladies Who led off the dance ? 
Leandro certainly Whose feaiher waved 
The proudest ? who his rapier flourished best ? 
Leandro was the answer ; only he. 
Praised by the women, envied by the men. 

Leand. You are merry, signiors. Well indulge 

your humor. 
Seb. And, pr'ythee, what has drawn thee back to 

Seville ? 
Gas. A pair of black eyes, truly. 
Seb- That same magnet 
Attracts him still. Are we to wish you joy ? 

Leand. Nay, gentlemen this raillery s out of tune. 
And yet should it prove true, pray where's the won 

der ? 
There is a period when we must grow wise, 
And in domestic quiet sit us down. 
Seb. Why — he grows serious on it. 
Gas. Tis the fact, 
The man designs to marry. 
Leand. Ay, pray come ; 
Perchance you'll see a handsome house and gardens. 
I'll make you welcome ; only, sirs, be temperate ; 
I'll have no riot. 

Gas. Shall we seethe lady? 
Leand. Yes, at a distance : no close salutations, 
Such as I oft have heard the english practise. 
Sure men are mad ; a fond provocative, 
By their own hands too offer'd. If you see 
My wife even through her veil, twill be enough. 

Seb. You've chosen a fit lodging for your purpose,, 
Apt, and convenient. A sly hypocrite, {aside) 
Gas. A marvellous pretty tale this ; but remember 



S THE [Clarke 

Husbands wear swords. 

Leand. Nay, what d'ye mean, I pray ? 

Seb. Look not with that grave face : d'ye think us 
blind ? 
A friend should give the counsel of a friend. 

Gas. You'd better own it — we must ev'n laugh at 
you. 
Well, if our syllogisms can be useful, 
You will know where to find us. 

Leand Hah, mosquitoes, 
Your wit is passing shrewd ; bites in all weathers ; 
I shall not pose myself to guess your meaning ; 
Tis hardly worth inquiry. 

Gas. Make the best on't ; 
And so farewell. Ha, ha — be wise and secret. 

[exeunt Gaspar and Sebastian 

Leand. Ev'n get you gone. This is some trick to 
gull me. 
No matter. Angry husbands ! swords ! and murder. 
A trick, a trick — they know not yet my meaning ; 
Hereafter I may trust them. Much I wonder 
Sancho returns not. Well, I'll walk awhile, 
And view my forces with a soldier's eye. [exit 



scene ii — a hall in count olmedo's house, 
enter pedro. 

Ped. I'm scandalized at these proceedings here. 
My lady's sorely wrong'd— why, tis reported, 
Not even the maids have access to her chamber ; 
The door kept strictly lock'd ! the wary count 
From his possession will not trust the key. 

Olm {within) Pedro. 

Ped. A moment wait, sir. Such a jewel, 
Twould be my pride to wear upon my breast, 
Not in a casket hide it. 

Olm. Pedro. 

Ped. Coming. 



Act I] KISS 9 

enter count olmedo. 

Olm. Has Bartolo been here yet ? 

Ped. No, my lord. 

Olm Nor sent a message, nor a letter ? 

Ped. None, sir. 

Olm. That's strange. The advocate can give good 
counsel ; 
But I must wait his leisure. Patience, patience, 
The remedy of fools ; 1 must submit to it. 
How many years of service hast thou pass'd 
Beneath my roof? 

Ped. Thirty good years and more. 

Olm. Some thirty years, a portion of man's life : 
How large and how irrevocable. 

Ped. Never, 
In all the time, wish'd I to change my station ; 
Content and happy. 

Olm. Thou should'st then be honest. 

Ped. Your lordship doubts me not ? 

Olm. No, no ; not that. 
Secret, I mean. 

Ped. Yes, sir, when I am trusted. 

Olm. Hah— a shrewd fellow this; he thinks to 
worm 
My meaning out. (aside) So, you may leave me ? 

Pedro ; 
Nay, nay, come back Thou saidst just now, that I 
Was an indulgent master : couldst thou be 
As true a servant ? 

Ped. Put me to the trial. 

Olm. What dost thou think of women ? 

Ped. Think of women ! 

Olm. Ay, think of women. Didst thou ne'er think 
on them ? 

Fed. Lord, sir — I'm but as may be call'd a servant : 
JThey are beyond my reach of comprehension. 

Olm. Nay, of their honesty, I mean. 

Ped. O, that's 
A mystery, subject more for faith than reason, 
B2 



10 THE [Clarke 

I'm but an unskill'd scholar. 

Olm. Thou dost think then 
Tis not to be relied on. 

Ped, Heaven forbid ; 
1 merely thought the best way to secure it 
Was to guard o'er it well. 

Olm. Upon my faith, 
Well spoken, Pedro. I shall dine abroad. 

Ped. I wish your lordship a good appetite. 

Olm. Know you this key ? 

Ped. Not, sir, I think exactly. 
But would you please to trust it to my hands. 

Olm. Ha — trust it— no — tis safer in my own. (apart) 
Now. Pedro, tell me honestly, come nearer, 
Hast thou observed in all thy course of service 
Nothing that woke suspicion of thy mistress? 
Speak it out plainly — fear not to offend me* 
I should be happier if 1 knew the worst. 

Ped. Nothing, my lord, whatever. 

Olm. No disguises, 
No mysteries, no spies with nods and shrugs, 
Intelligibly speaking more than words: 
Didst notice any ancient gentlewoman, 
She jugglers, that can serve their friends by proxy, 
Come to her in my absence ? 

Ped. None, my lord. 
Indeed your noble nature is abused : 
If servant might presume to note his mistress, 
A lady of more matron like deportment, 
I'd swear my eyes ne'er saw. 

Olm. Get thee away. 
All are confederated to deceive me. 
Why thus expose my weakness ? a strange whim 
Just pass'd my brain, (aside) You may attend your 

business — 
A foolish fancy — you may go, nay— leave me; 
My mind is alter'd ; I shall dine at home. 

[exit Pedro 
Wretched I am, dishonor'd I will not be, 
Can vigilance prevent it — to the countess — 
Her silence or confession stamps my fate. [exit 



Act I] KISS II 

scene in — the countess's apartment. 

enter orelia from an inner chamber. 

Ore. How long must this captivity endure ? 
Base the suggestion, baser still the means 
By which Olmedo tries me ; all my actions 
Were ever pure ; my conduct scrupulous ; 
My mind untainted with a thought disloyal- 
Unworthy degradation — ( Olmedo knocks) 
Tis Olmedo. 

enter olmedo, oreeia looks scornfully upon him 

Ore. You came to bid good morrow, I presume. 
Now that important function is discharged, 
Pray leave me to my pleasures. 

Olm. Pleasures, lady. 

Ore. The rarest, sir, amusements ever new. 
Do not I wander in enchanting groves, 
And in triumphal chariots breathe the air ? 
Do not I taste delicious banquets, music, 
Delightful converse, fit society ; 
And then at night behold the festive dance 
Led up by youth and beauty ? 

Olm. Sure, you dream. 

Ore. Why should you so imagine ? am not I 
Olmedo's countess, heir to rich Alvarez ? 
By birth and wealth entitled to enjoy 
All that the world calls pleasure. 

Olm, You say true, 
All pleasures are at your command. 

Ore. Yes, all 
That can be relislrd in two small apartments. 
Some twenty feet by twenty ; let me see now, 
Weary with wholesome exercise, I rest on 
A comfortable bed with decent hangings; 
A toilet, too, at which I set my beauties, 
Alas ! but no admirers. Then for books. 
Five musty schoolmen., a fit lady's library. 



12 THE [Clarke 

With an old twangling lute to aid my voice, 

Olm. I'm glad you are so happy. 

On-,. But the best 
Is yet unmentinn'd. 

Olm. What is that, I pray ? 

Ore. A husband, so indulgent to my wishes, 
That he prevents them ere I make them known. 
Unlike those beings whose capricious tempers 
Will scruple little, through a vain caprice, 
To trample on humanity's best feelings, 
And desolate the bosom of true love- 
Do you know such a monster ? 

Olm. Are you wise? 

Ore. Alas! too sensible ; for never fool 
Suffex'd indignity and grief like mine. 

{she turns from him weeping) 

Olm. Orelia, but one question ? 

Ore. No. Tis useless; 
Forbear, repeat it not. 

Olm. Give me your hand. 

( Olmedo taking her hand) 
Tis moist with tears ; come, I will kiss it dry. 

Ore. This is vain mockery, I pray you cease. 

Olm. No, on my soul, by this and this, it is not. 

Ore. You love me still then. 

Olm. Better than my life ; 
Beyond all things but honor. 

Ore- Ay, this honor, 
Incomprehensible to woman's wit, 
This honor chooses you a noble office ; 
Do you not feel degraded, thus to lose 
The husband in the gaoler ? morn and eve, 
And duly at mid-noon, mocking your prisoner 
With shows of love and visionary hopes? 

Olm. I have a name to guard — an honest one s 
Lady, the husband's sanction'd rights are mine, 
No sharp revilings from a woman's tongue 
Shall bend my stubbornness ; I am thy lord 
By marriage vows ; obedience is my due, 
And I exact it ; to protect and cherish thee 



Act I] KISS 13 

Hath been my earliest and my latest care, 
Even now my heart is rebel to my judgment ; 
I have fulfiit'd my duties, do thou thine. 

Ore. Talk you of sanction'd rights, am 1 without 
them ? 
I claim your love, esteem,- and confidence, 
Best guardians to a wife ; restore me these, 
And then we meet on equal ground of duty. 
Why do you treat me thus ?" 

Olm. That night, that night. 

Ore. Restrain such idle fancies. 

Olm. But explain 
One circumstance, and empires were your own 
Had I the power to give ? 

Ore. All that I know 
I have explained already. 

Olm. Tempt not my rage, 
Oh reservation vile ! the bower, the bower. 

Ore. I will not be suspected, my true heart 
Derides your imputation. On this theme 
Disdain and anger hold me ever dumb, 

Olm. Go thou, light woman, go. 

Ore. Oh my swoln bosom. 
No more of love ; assist me female pride, 
And I will sting this tyrant to the soul, (aside) 
You mention, sir. the bower. 

Olm. Ay, I did hint it. 

Ore, Of that you would be satisfied. 

Olm. I will be 

Ore Well, well, you may hereafter, twas no faulty 
At least, in me, if an adventurous youth 
Should leap your garden wall. 

Olm. She mocks my passion. 

Ore. Gallant and gav, a soft Adonis moves, 
Breathing perfume, his hair divinely flowing ; 
Beauty and youth, to woman's partial eye. 
Have charms that strangely interest — my lordj 
You droop. 

Olm. I do indeed, (aside) 

Ore. Capricious man, 



14 THE [Clarke 

There is no pleasing you ; when I was silent, 
Then you were angry, shall I now be free? 

Olm. Free as your own free thoughls. 

Ore. Ale feels the scourge. 
By your good leave, my lord ; (offers to go) 

Olm. By yours, sweet lady, 
You quit not this apartment, rest you here ; 
The law shall cio me right, mean time reflect 
A husband's wrath is sometimes dangerous. \exit 

Ore Only to her who's conscious she deserves it. 
This treatment is beyond a woman's patience. 
I must retort my wrongs or sink beneath them 

[exit into the inner chamber 

END OF THE FIRST ACT. 



ACT II. 

scene i— the street, 
enter leandro, Sebastian, and gaspar, 

Seh Such is the lady's case. 

Leand. 1 heard not ( of it, 
Tis news to me 

Gas This is Olmedo's house, 
And here the countess in confinement rests : 
Twere charity to help to set her free. 

Leand. Was that the butt end of your raillery ? 
I had chose proper lodgings. Well believe me, 
It was all lost — should 1 be tempted now — 
I am no stoic— females in distress 
Are the true objects of knight errantry. 
Our house adjoins and the partition's thin ; 
Last night I heard strange voices, sighs, and moan 

ing; 
I'll search the tapestry, fortune may befriend us-, 
And the coop'd pigeon use her wings again, 

Seb. Pr'ythee, be wise, Leandro, 



*" 



Act II] KISS 15 

Leand. Very wise ; 
I'll give you proof on't — that is, I'll forget 
What you have told me — and Olmedo's wife 
Must with her spouse accord without ray aid. 
I have another scheme, you must be secret : 
There is a most sweet creature, she has taken 
From every country of the earth, the best 
Of those perfections which the climate yields. 

Gas. Ay, no doubt she's a wonder. 

Leand. And so kept, 
As if the world deserved not to behold 
So rare an excellence. 

Seb. Who is the owner 
Of such a gem ? 

Leand. A knave on record. 
Old Bartolo the advocate, her uncle, 
Whose wardship guards both her and her estates. 

Gas. I know him well, the rogue once cheated 
me : 
He's rich and covetous beyond expression ; 
So watchful too, that would you parallel 
Old Argus to him. you must multiply 
His eyes a hundred times ; of these none sleep ; 
He that would charm the heaviest lid, must hire 
A better Mercury than Jove made use of. 
Even give it o'er, it will be labor lost. 
Leandro, are you rapt ? 

Leand. Yes. I must win her ; 
And my phrophetic love tells me I shall. 

Seb. But how ? 

Leand I have strange irons on the anvil, 
The lawyer knows me not, I'll go disguised 
Like a young clerk to learn his boasted science. 

Gas. What access can this get? 

Leand. Leave that to me. 

Seb. Well, but methinks, a young and gay galJ a nt P 
That would disereetly catch the beams of beauty, 
Should like himself appear. 

Leand This is my voyage. 
When you love, launch it out in silks and velvets, 



16 THE [Clarke 

I'll love in serge, and will outgo your sattins. 
There is a priest hard by, whose name is Lopez, 
You are ne'er the nearer now. 

Gas. We do allow it. 

Leand. He is confessor to this sheet of parchment, 
Of grave authority ; I've learn'd his nature, 
And make no doubt I shall hit handsomely. 

enter sancho. 

Well Sancho, what's the answer ? 

San. Sir, the curate 
Will be at liesure in the afternoon. 

Leand, Tis well, [exit Sancho] And there I make 
my first attack. 
Adieu — 1'veletters to prepare within. 

Gas. Even take your fortune : if you come off 
well, 
We'll praise your wit : if not, expect our laughter. 

{exeunt Sebastian and Gaspar 

Leand. I'll win the diamond from the rock and wear 

her. [exit into the house 



scene ii — the countess's apartment. 
ore li a enters. 

Ore. My task of reading done, I'll take my lute 
And strive with idle change of occupation 
To lull my sufferings and beguile the time. 

{she takes a lute and sings) 

SONG. 

Come gentle lyre, to soothe my grief 
Each wonted art thy mistress tries ; 

Thy silvery chords shall bring relief, 
Responsive trembling to my sighs." 

leandro behind the wainscot responses the cad&nee. 

" bring relief, 
Responsive trembling to my sighs; 



Act II] KISS 17 

Ore. This is enchantment sure, and this the spirit 
That comes to set me free ; I'll try once more. 

(sings) 

With thee a sympathetic friend, 
Oft has it been my fond employ ; 

In happier times my hours to spend, 
Exalting every noie of joy. 

(Leandro again responds) 

Exalting every note of joy. 

Ore. What can this mean ? tis a man's voice I 
think ; 
Mere mortal man's : there's a strange flutter here ; 
What can be his design ? the wish of freedom 
Is nature's instinct ; 1 may sure indulge it 
Without a wound to virtue, 

Leand. Lady — hist, (he knocks) 

Ore. He speaks ; I know not if I dare to answer. 

Leand Hist, lady — hist, (he knocks again) 

Ore. Who are you ? 

Leand. On my faith, 
A gentleman 

Ore. What would you, sir, with me? 

Leand. I pity your distress ; I know your story. 
Speak, and I'll find the means to set you free 

Ore. The offer's very tempting, he must know 
then 
That I'm a prisoner, and of course unable 
To counteract his rashness : to encourage 
Is indiscreet, yet to refuse is hard. 

Leand. Here is a door conceal'd behind the tap 
estry, 
Tis slightly fastened ; with a chisel's aid, 
In two short minutes liberty is yours 

Ore. Scarce I dare think or breathe : who can he 
be? 
I hope he'll take my silence for consent. 

(Leandro knocks if as unfastening the door) 



18 THE [Clarke 

But should Olmedo come ! ev'n let him come : 
My honor shall sustain me 

( Leandro continues knocking) 
Freedom's near : 

Ay beat again, my heart with throbs replies ; 
Tumultuous moment, it o'ereomes my feelings. 

{she sinks into a chair) 

leandro, having broken open the door, enters. 

Leand. Here's day light ! blessings on my carpen- 
try ; 
Lady forgive this rudeness : ha ! no answer. 
Has she withdrawn ? a chamber well provided. 
Rich arras, furniture of* silk and gold. 
A shrine fit for a goddess to inhabit, 
And see the fair divinity within it, 
Thus at your feet I pay my adoration. 

{he kneels, takes her hand and kisses it— she re- 
covers) 

Ore. {starting) Who are you, sir ? 

Leand. Your humble servant, lady ? 

Ore. Why are you here ? 

Leand. I'm at your sole disposal : 
Truly a docile pupil, do not frown ; 
Like frost in May, it nips the budding flowers 
In hope's delicious garden ; turn not from me. 
By heaven there's more enjoyment from a glance 
Of those love darting eyes, than wealth can buy. 
Though either India's treasure swell'd the purchase. 

Ore. Imprudent woman, {aside) I beseech you, 
sir ; 
My folly's well repaid. 

Leand. Let not a banquet 
Untasted pass : look on me, take compassion ; 
My youth, your beauty ; time and place conspire, 
And gentle cupids fan their amorous wings 
On the auspicious moment. 

Ore. Leave me, sir. 

Leand. Think on your wrongs and how you may 
revenge them, 



Act II] KISS 19 

Else you are no true woman. 

Ore You behold me, 
A most wrong'd woman, by my husband wrong'd, 
Wrong'd in the tenderest fibre of my heart. 
With undeserved unkindness deeply stung ; 
And though still smarting with the wound and insult, 
Still glowing with my sex's warm resentment ; 
Amidst the rage and tempest of my passion 
I yet can hear a monitor that tells me, 
She's the true woman who forgives her wrongs, 
And trusts in conscious virtue for reward. 

Leand. Your reason, like your beautv, is most per- 
fect, 
But what has argument to do with love ? 
Why came I hither ? cruelly you spurn me, 
And with ingratitude betray my hopes. 

Ore. Ingratitude ! o ! matchless confidence ; 
Begone this instant, 

Leand. Hah ! she weeps ; propitious 
To all my wishes be this genial shower : 
These tears, more precious than Golconda's gems, 
Subdue me ; on this hand 1 press my lips. 

Ore. Presumptuous ! quit me, sir : to certain ruin 
This conduct leads you : i disdain your foliy 
And will alarm the servants. 

Leand Softly, madam. 
That would be most ungenerous : in your cause 
I came and still remain. 

Ore. Upbraid me not, 
But leave me ; hark ! Olmedo's voice and step. 

Leand. This terror is well acted. 

Ore. Most undone. 

Olm. {without) It is sufficient. Pedro, you may 
leave me. 

Leand. Faith, it is he indeed ; tis time to fly. 

[Ite retreats through the private door 

enter ol.^edo. 

Olm. Metliought as I appioaeh'd the chamber door 2 
I heard you speaking. 



20 THE [Clarke 

Ore. Is it sir, a wonder, 
If long pent up in solitude and silence, 
A woman's tongue should seek relief in talking 
Though to no other hearers than herself? 

Olm I came not now to parley, but forewarn. 
This is a letter from your brother, countess ; 
He writes that soon he means to be in Seville. 

Ore. I shall rejoice to see him. 

Olm. Still obdurate : 
Since hate and obstinacy cloud your brow, 
Remonstrance would be vain ; farewell Orelia. [exit 

Ore. I see the brink of the steep precipice, 
And shudder at the danger I escaped. 

leandro returns. 

Leand. This interval has given me time to think, 
I own my folly and request your pardon. 
To prove that my repentance is sincere 
Impose what task you please, I'll shrink not from it ; 
Bid me to fly beyond the antipodes ; 
Or add to Hercules another labor, 
I'm pledged to the performance. 

Ore. Nobly offer'd. 
Such generous conduct must be doubly thank'd ; 
—You hear my brother is expected back, 
Octavio Gonsalez. 

Leand My worthiest friend, 
And fellow soldier too. 

Ore Pray seek him out ; 
And lest his ear should be abused by slander, 
Relate the story of his sister's wrongs: 
This ring shall be the witness of your truth. 
Such confidence to one unknown ! 

(giving him a ring) 

Leand. I read you : 
It will not be misplaced. A soldier's honor 
Is your security ; Leandro Morla. 
A business next my heart draws me to Seville, 
I blush to say your beauty near betray'd it ; 
Let not your delicacy be alarm'd ; 



Act II] KISS 2! 

From yon apartments I shall long be absent, 
Esteem them as your own ; when next you see me, 
Expect me a deliverer. 
Ore. All good fortune 
Attend your steps ; my thanks and wishes follow. 

[exit Leandro at the. secret door 
Strange circumstance! Olmedo though my heart 
Will wrong thee not, yet I may much perplex thee. 
[exit into the inner apartment 



scene in — the street, 
enter lopez and diego. 

Lop. Poor stirring for poor curates. 

Die. And poor sextons. 

Lop. We pray, and pray, and pray, but to no pur- 
pose ; 
Those that enjoy our lands choke our devotions ; 
Our narrow stipends make us arrant dunces. 

Die If you live miserably how shall we do, master? 
We rise and ring the bells to get good stomachs, 
And oft are fain to eat the ropes for breakfast. 

Lop. When was a christening Diego ? 

Die. Not these ten weeks ; 
The wars, the seas, and the hard times undo us. 
The people too are grown so cruel hearted, 
They will not die ; there's nothing got by burials. 

Lop. Diego the air's too pure 

Die. A good stout plague now ; 
Or half a dozen of newfangled fevers 
That would turn up men's heels by wholesale, master. 
And take the doctors too in their grave counsels, 
Would make my bells go merrily. 

Lop. Peace, Diego, 
The doctors are our friends, let's please them well : 
For though they kill but slow, they're certain, Diego \ 
Wait for a tertian ague in the spring, 
Then wills and funeral sermons come in season , 
And feasts that make us frolic, 
Q2 



2B THE [Clarke 

Die. Would I could see them. 
enter leand ro from the house, in a mean dress. 

Leand. My eyes deceive me, or here sits the game. 
A precious pair of youths, J must make towards them. 

{apart) 

Lop. Who's that ? it seems as he would speak 
to as. 
I hope a marriage, or some will to make, (to Diego) 

Die. My friend your business. 

Leand. Tis to that grave gentleman. 
Bless your good learning, sir. 

Lop. And bless you also. 
He has a promising face, there's some hope toward. 

(apart to Diego) 

Leand. I have a letter to your worship, 

Lop. Well sir I pray you whence ? 

Leand. h is from Mexico, 
And from an ancient friend of yours. 

Lop Tis well, sir ; 
Tis very well The devil a one I know there. 

Die. Take heed, he has a cozening countenance, 
I do not like his way. 

Lop. " Cantabit vacuus." 
He that has nothing, can lose nothing, Diego ; 
All I can lose good Diego is my learning. 
He that gets that may put it in a nut shell. 

(apart to Diego) 
But to the letter, dated Mexico, (he reads) 

" SIGNIOR LOPEZ, 

" Since my arrival from Seville to these distant parts, 
" I have at several intervals written to you divers let- 
" ters, but as yet have received no answer." (good 
" and very good) " And although so great a forget- 
6C fulness on your part might have caused a cessation 
" of my correspondence, yet the desire I have to re- 
" new our ancient friendship still prevails." (better and 
(i better, the devil a man know I yet) " I therefore on 
" the present occasion, recommend my son, Leandro, 
cc the bearer, to your care ; with his studies he will 



Act H] KISS 23 

" make you acquainted ; your kindness now shall sup- 
"ply former deficiencies, and so heaven keep yoa. 
Yours, 

ALONZO TIVERIA." 

Lop. Aionzo Tiveria ; very well : 
A vary ancient friend of mine I take it ; 
For till this, hour i never heard his name, (aside) 

Ltand. You look, sir, as if you'd forgot my father. 

Lop. Nay, whom i never knew, i cant forget, sir ; 
Aionzo Tiveria? 

Leand. Sir, the same ; 
And now in Mexico. 

Lop. He may be any where, 
For aught that I consider. 

Leand. Think again, sir ; 
You studied at one time in Salamanca. 
And weie I understand sworn brothers. 

Lop Ha! 

Leand Nay, sure you must remember. 
. Lop. Would I could, sir. 
Dost thou remember Diego this same signior ? 
Thou hast been mine these thirty years. 

Die. Remember ? 
This man will make you mad, from Mexico, 
And signior Tiveria, whal is this? 
Next we shall hear of kinsmen in Japan ; 
Take heed your worship : pray young gentleman. 
Have you for me a letter ? 

Leand. Not any letter, 
But I was charged to do my father's love 
To the old honest sexton Diego ; are you he, sir ? 

Die. Have I friends too and know them not? jpy 
name * 

Is Diego truly ; but, sir, I have no knowledge 
Of Mexico, nor you, nor yet your father ; 
Nor any kindred that you have : for heaven's sake 
Let's cast about a little and consider ; 
We may but dream. 

Leand. it seems I am deceived ; 
Yet that you are don Lopez, you confess, 



24 THE [Clarke 

The curate here, and have been so some time ; 
And you the sexton Diego ; such I'm sent to : 
The letter tells as much ; may be they are dead 
And you of the like names succeed ; I thank you : 
You have done honestly in telling truth, 
I might have been too forward ; to that Lopez. 
"Who was my father's friend, I had a charge, 
A charge of money to deliver, gentlemen ; 
Five hundred ducats, a poor small gratuity, 
But since you are not he — 

Lop* Pray let me think — 
Good sir, be patient, pray you stay a little, 
Let me remember, I beseech you stay sir. 

Die. An honest noble friend that sends so lovingly. 
An old friend too, I shall remember sure, sir. 

Lop. Thou say'st true, Diego. 

Die. Pray consider quickly, 
Do, do by any means, methinks already 
A grave staid gentleman comes o'er my memory. 

Leand. He's old, indeed, sir.. 

Die. With a goodly white beard ; 
Signior Alonzo, master. 

Lop. I begin to have him. 

Die. He has been from hence about some twenty 
years. 

Leand. Some five and twenty, sir. 

Die. You say most true, 
Just to an hour, tis now just five and twenty ; 
A fine straight timbered man, and a brave soldier. 
He married, let me see, 

Leand, De Castro's daughter. 

Die. The very same. 

Leand. Thou art a very rascal! 
This money rubs them into strange remembrances, 
For ten more ducats they'd remember Adam, [aside) 

Lop. Give me your hand, you are welcome to your 
country ; 
Now I remember plainly, manifestly, 
As freshly as if yesterday I'd seen him. 
Most heartily welcome, sinful that I am, 



Act II] KISS 25- 

Most sinful man, that so I should forget 
This loving old companion ; we'd but one soul, sir, 
He dwelt here hard by at a handsome- 
Lea nd. Farm, sir, 
You say most true. 

Lop. Aionzo Tiverial 
Lord, lord, that time should play the treacherous knave 

thus. 
He was the only friend 1 had in Spain, sir. 
I knew your mother too, a handsome lady, 
She married very young, i married them. 
1 do remember now the masks and sports then, 
The (ire works and the tine delights, good faith, 
Now I look in your face, whose eyes are those ? 
Nay, if he be not just Alonzo's picture. 

Leand. Their impudence quite puts me to the iblosh. 

(aside) 

Die. Young gentleman, I think your name's Lean- 
dro. 

Leand. It is so — thank the letter for thy knowledge. 

(aside) 

Die. I have dandled you, and kiss'd you, and play'd 
with you, 
A hundred and a hundred times ; and danced you ? 
And swung you in my bell ropes. 

Lop. A sweet boy. 

Leand Sweet lying knaves, what would they do 
for thousands ? (aside) 

Lop. a wondrous sweet boy then it was ; see now, 
Time that consumes us, shoots him up still sweeter. 
How does the nobie gentleman your father ? 
When shall we see him ? when will he bless his coun- 
tiy? 

Leand, O very shortly, sir ; till his return 
He has sent me over to your charge. 

Lop. And welcome ; 
Nay you shall know you are welcome to your friend^ 
sir. 

Leand. And for my study which must be the lawj 
To farther which he would entreat your care 



26 THE [Clarke 

To plant me in the favor of some man 

Expert in knowledge ; for his pains and trouble 

I've further monies ready. 

Lop. Once more welcome, 
The law you've hit upon most happily ; 
There is a master in that science, Bartolo, 
A neighbor by, to whom I will prefer you ; 
I'll do you faithful service. 

Die. Tis an ass, 
And so we'll use him, (aside) he shall be a lawyer. 

Leand. Pray you unlade me, sir. (gives a purse) 

Lop. I will refresh you ; 
If you should want, you'll know, sir, your exchequer. 

Leand. If all this gains me but access I'm happy. 

Die. I see which way the wind blows — let us walk. 

Leand. To have the fort betray 'd these fools must 
fleece me. (aside) {exeunt 

END OF THE SECOND ACT. 



ACT III. 

scene i — a room in bartolo's housu 
enter amaranta and pikebe. 

Phoebe. But by what chance, dear mistress, did your 
lover 
Declare his passion ? long coop'd closely up, 
How could he see you, how converse, how win you ? 
Whence rose your first acquaintance ? 

Amar. Some months since, 
When my old guardian took me to bre farm 
Near Palma, to enjoy the country air, 
As 1 look'd from the lattice one fine evening, 
A gallant cavalier came riding by: 
He seeing me, look'd up and bow'd ; I courtesied, 
Lest he should think I had no breeding, girl ; 
Be bow'd again ; what could I do but courtesy ? 



Act III] KISS 27 

I would not be thought rude. 

Phoebe. No, certainly, 
That would have been as cruel as ill-bred ; 
I should have done the same. What followed this? 

Arnar. Some interviews ; at length, his art contrived; 
In spite of all my uncle's jealous care : 
For difficulties sharpen lovers' wits : 
But now tis near a fortnight ; two long weeks, 
And no device, no serenade, no letter ; 
Evil I much forebode. 

Phoebe. Removed to Seville, 
Thus closely watch'd, old Bartolo, perhaps, 
May have found out the secret ; tell me truly, 
Are you resolved to disappoint his wishes ? 
Carlos his son, who is your promised husband, 
Is now expected home ; which will you choose ? 

Amar O tis a dainty spark ; I hate him, Phoebe, 
I always hated him ; a double hatred, 
Both for his father's faults and for his own : 
Do they not keep me like a prisoner here 
To marry me, whether I would or no ? 
My fortune is their object. One thing, Phoebe, 
Had I a friend. 

Phoebe. Signora, I'm your friend. 
I've been in love myself, and pity all 
Whom little Cupid wounds. 

Amar, Alas ! what's pity, 
Unless assistance aids it ? 

Phoebe. Trust me, mistress, 
And if I fail yon, say no faith's in woman. 

Amar. Alas ! all schemes are vain, unless we find 
Some opportunity to leave the house. 
My guardian watches o'er me night and day ; 
Nay, I o'erheard him muttering to himself, 
That till his son ariived, for fear of mischief, 
He would not stir abroad. 

Phoebe. Let's try the battle ; 
A young girl's wishes to an old man's wit : 
But hush, 1 hear the study door ! he comes. 

(they retire to the back of the sfzge) 



28 THE [Clarke 

enter bartolo. 

Bart. I have done wonders, mighty things to day ; 
My heart rejoices at my wealthy gleanings. 

tis a blessed thing to have rich clients ! 
Why child, why Amaranta, well my darling ; 
3 have the golden birds and all for you 
Hereafter. What hast thou been doing, sweet one ? 

Amar. Little or nothing. Looking from the win- 
dow 
To see the free birds wanton in the air, 
And wish to be among them. 

Bart. Well, next week 
Comes home a mate to pair with thee my robin ; 
Then you may fly where pleasure shall invite you. 

Amar. You put a string round your poor captive's 

leg, 
And call it liberty ; whereto serves virtue 
That is not tried ? I fain would go abroad, 
Like others of my sex and station, guardian, 
And have companions proper for my age. 

Bart. And so you shall ; but a retired still life 
Becomes young women best ; next week J yield you ; 
You shall have every thing, your coach and people, 
Set off most handsomely, an envied bride. 
Till then, good thoughts will be the best companions 
And mv discourse the sweetest entertainment. 

Amar. I dare not contradict ; but, dear papa, 
For so I am to call you, let me walk 
With Phcebe for some wholesome exercise ; 

1 feel so dizzy. 

Bart. Dizzy ? to your chamber ; 
No walking, tis not walking weather ; dizzy ! 
O you may chance to fall. 

enter perez. 

What would you have ? 

Per. The reverend Lopez, with a stranger, waits 
To see your worship. 

Bart. Ha ! a stranger, 



Act HI] KISS 2$ 

Per. Yes, sir. 

Bart. Perhaps some client which the curate brings 
me ; 
Some client worth the fleecing ; go in, chuck, 
.No walking out to-day ; I'll but speak to them, 
And presently return. 

Amar I must obey ; 
To-day is yours, to-morrow may be mine, (aside) 
[exeunt Amaranta and Phozbe, Bartolo locks the 
door after them 
Bart. So, so, fast bind, fast find : no walking out ; 
My loving neighbors, pray come in, you're welcome. 

enter lopez, diego, and leandro. 

Lop. Bless your good reverence. 

Bart. Good day, master curate ; 
And neighbor Diego welcome ; what's your business ? 
And pray be short, good friends, the time is pre- 
cious ; 
Welcome too, sir. (to Leandro) 

Lop. Then to be short, your worship, 
We have brought you this young man of honest pa- 
rents, 
And of an honest face. 

Bart. It seems so, neighbors ; 
But to what end ? 

Lop. To be your pupil, sir, 
Your servant if you please. 

Die. He has travell'd far, sir, 
To seek a worthy man. 

Bart. Alas! good friends, 
I am a poor man, and unfit to keep 
A servant of his reckoning ; besides, 
My house is but a cottage, scarcely able 
To hold myself and those poor few who live in't ; 
Moreover, in these times, you must excuse me 
If I'm a little scrupulous in my dealings. 

Lop. Pray let me answer that ; three hundrei 
ducats 
Will be security for his good credit, 
D 



30 THE 

Three hundred ducats. 

Bart. Ha ! three hundred ducats ? 

Lop. All in good gold. 

Bart. That's sure an honest pledge. 

Lop. And yet he needs it not, his face and car- 
riage 
Both testify an inbred honesty. 

Die. An honester young man ne'er served your 
worship ; 
But he's bashful. 

Bart. That, sir, will wear off ; 
If not, lay not the blame to his profession. 

Leand, I always had a ripe mind to the law, sir : 
If 1 am not intruding to your worship, 
The least poor corner of your house, a bed, 
And some books to instruct me, with your counsel, 
"Would well content me. 

Lop. Note his mind to learning. 

Bart. 1 do, and like it well ; thanks to his money. 

Lop. A wondrous modest youth, sir. 

Bart. So it seems ; 
His love to study must be nourish'© 1 , Lopez. 

Lop. His parents when they know your care, will 
note it 
With huge rewards ; they are rich and bountiful. 

Bart. Come hither. 

Leand. Yes, your worship. 

Bart. You would learn 
The niceties of law ? 

Leand. I would indeed, sir. 

Bart. Say, should I undertake to teach you, sir, 
Which would occasion to me no small trouble, 
Considering my affairs and narrow dwelling, 
Could you content yourself at first, thus meanly 
To lie hard, in an outpart of my house 
Live hard, and study hard ? 

Leand. I'll not complain, sir. 

Bart. A scholar should be frugal ; scanty meals 
Make the brain fruitful. 

Leand. Any thing, an't please you, 






Act HI] KISS 31 

That's fresh and wholesome. 

Bart. Then, I think I'll take you ; 
Study should be remote from company ; 
You muse agree to keep within your confines, 

Leand. 1 will obey you ever. 

Lop. There's the gold ; 
Twill multiply if he increase in knowledge. 
Show him his cell, tis a well govern" d youth ; 
His name Leandro, give him books in plenty. 
Take a good heart and study hard. 

Leand. 1 will, sir. 

Bart. Come, sir, with me. 

[Bartolo takes Leandro to a door 

Lop Diego, the gudgeon bites. 

Die. Ay, swallows bait and hook ; a precious law< 
yer. * 

Lop. Here's money got with ease ; there, spen<i 
that jovially, 
And pray for the fool the founder. 

Die. Many fools 
I heartily pray may follow his example ; 
May there be many such sweet friends from Mexico. 

Lop. Come from what quarter of the worid, I care 
not; 
They cannot come amiss that bring me gold. 

re-enter bartolo. 

Bart Neighbors, I thank you for your diligence 
And loving care. 

Lop We'll come and see his progress, 
And crack a case with him sometimes ; good day, 
Most worthy sir. 

Die. Good day, your worship. 

Bart. .Signiors [exeunt Lopez and Diego 

Good day ; three hundred ducats ; a rich earnest 
. Of what's to follow; 1 will carefully secure them 

{exit 

leandro peeps. 
Leand. Now if 1 could but see her, not this way ; 



32 THE [Clarke 

How filthy is this dungeon calPd my chamber ; 

If I continue long twill choke me up. 

A door! now love and fortune once befriend me, 

And bless me with the sight of Amaranta ; 

Tis she. {he opens the door, and brings in Amaranta) 

Amar. Leandro ! 

Leand. Hush ! your guardian's servant ; 
See to what stratagems I am reduced. 

Amar. You take me by surprize. 

Leand. But smile upon me ; 
No longer chide my honorable suit. 

Amar. I should deny you, did not danger threaten: 

Leand, What danger ? 

Amar. In three days your rival, Carlos, 
Will claim me for his bride. 

Leand. Distracting news ! 

Amar. Till then my guardian will not quit the 
house ; 
Devise a remedy, but leave me now. 

Leand. You promise to be mine. 

Amar. Retire, I pray you. 

Leand. Give me some token. 

Amar. Hark ! a ndise — there — go. 

Leand. {kissing her hand) Dear pledge. 

Amar. More noise, pray leave me ; we must part 

Leand. Tis Bartolo — now softly to ray kennel. 

[he shuts the door after her and retires 

enter bartolo. 

Bart. All's safe ; I love to look upon my treasure ; 
Let people mock and gibe ; a well fill'd coffer 
Consoles me for such trifles. 

perez announces count olmedo entering. 

Per. Count Olmedo. [exit 

Bart. Welcome, my lord ; welcome to my poor 

dwelling. 
Olm. Good signior Bartolo, you know my cause 
Bart. I do sufficiently. 
Olm. My soul is rack'd, 






AcMll] KISS 33 

My honor tarnished : this perfidious woman 

Refuses explanation ; a divorce 

Alone can right me in the world's esteem 

And in my own • though it should break ray heart, 

Impair my honesty, impeach my credit, 

Yet as no other means are left to save me, 

I must and will go forward. 

Bart. Do, my lord. 
And look not after credit ; we shall save that ; 
We surgeons of the law do desperate cures, sir y 
You give good fees, and those beget good causes. 

Olm. Money you shall not want. 

Bart No, no, we must not ; 
Only line well your cause : we must have witnesses 
Enough and ready : good substantial souls, 
That will swear roundly. 

Qlm They shall swear the truth. 

Bart. That's no great matter ; for variety 
They may swear truth, else tis not much look'd after * 
I have a draft of the whole process, ready, 
Now in my study ; by your leave, my lord, 
' I will go fetch it. \exii 

Qlm, There's no other way ; 
My heart is wrung ; but manhood, honor, fame, 
Demand the sacrifice that's due to justice. 

enter leajvdro. 

Leand. These papers to your lordship, signior Bar- 
tolo 
Commends ; intent upon a point of law, 
He prays your favor for a few short minutes. 
Qlm. A very goodly youth- 
Leand. Please you, peruse them. 
Qlm. I thank you, sir. 
(as Leandro presents the writings, Olmedo discovers 

the ring on his finger) 
Impossible — it kills me. 

Leand. Are you not well, my lord ? 
Olm. Your hand, young man. 

(he catches it with great earnestness ) 
X)2 



34. THE [Clarke 

Leand, O my forgetfulness. 

Olm. A sudden shock : 
Infirmity, like summer clouds, o'erlakes me. 
Tis over now ; you have a pretty ring there : 
It much reminds me of an ancient friend : 
Tis Pallas graved on onyx ; give me leave 
To take it from your finger. 

Leand. A mere trifle, 
Left by my grandmother. 

Olm, Pray let me look on't. 

Leand. It will not yield, so long it has been worn, 
That now tis loth to part. 

Olm. I have a reason : 
A most strong reason : tis the same, by heaven ! 
And he refuses, (aside) Sir, our family 
Had once possession of an antique gem, 
So similar, excuse me — that I think 
Were I upon the proof by solemn oath ! 
I shall go mad — is this at length the clue ? (aside) 
I say upon my oath — 

enter bartolo. 

Bart, I say so too ; 
Our cause is clear as day light : precedent 
And grave authority are on our side ; 
My lord, we must succeed ; go, go, Leandro ; 
Anon I'll call you. [exit Leandro 

Olm. I must see that ring. 

Bart. See what, my lord ? 

Olm. Octavio's valued token, 
Given to my wife upon our wedding-day ; 
And she, o monstrous ! yields it as the pledge 
Of my confirm'd dishonor ; I will have it, 
Though by the rack I should extort my shame, [exit 

Bart. Why, count, my lord! good lack ! the man 
is mad ; 
Tis a litigious fool ; I love such clients ; 
Why runs he to my study ? all my papers 
In such nice order too: if he disturb them 
I will have double fees, and that's my comfort 



Act III] KISS 35 

re-c«<eroLMEDo. 

Olm. He has escaped me, tis too palpable ; 
Who is that youth ? 

Bart, A very honest lad. 

Olm. Ha ! are you sure of that ? yet stay, I would 
not 
Insinuate a man's good name away 
On bare suspicion (aside) Bartolo, a fit 
Of sudden curiosity — no .more. 

Bart. His brain's disturb'd I think. 

Olm. On with your cause ; 
No, I would not accuse too hastily ; 
Tis possible a duplicate exists : i 

Yet hardly so ; tis wrought with wondrous art ; 
I will demand this token of my wife ; 
If she produce not the authentic gem, 
lam confirm'd beyond all touch of doubt : 
" Did she not practise on my jealous mood 
" By the description of a youth like this ? 
" O art ! o subtlety profound in woman ! 
" Confessing truth, yet in the guise of falsehood." 
Young paramour beware ; the lightning breaks, 
Discovering through the gloom some horrid shade, 
And vengeance, like the thunder, wails to follow. 

{aside) 

Bart. My lord, my lord — 

Olm. Well, Bartolo, the matter. 

Bart. Did not your lordship, in this angry trim, 
O'erlurn some pile of papers in my study ? 
Twill take much precious time to set them right, 
Much care and labor. 

Olm. This, sir, will replace it; (giving a purse) 
Proceed with diligence ; proofs rise on proofs ; 
Gain but my cause, and choose your own reward. 

{exit 

Bart. Thou jealous-pated fool, e'en go thy ways. 
I will improve the profit— blessings on thee, 

. (chinking the purse) 



36 * THE [Clarke 

Thou dose medicinal for every ill ; 

T would such accidents chanced every day. [exit 



scene ii — the street, 
enter Sebastian and g a spar. 

Seb. Can any thing but wonder — 

Gas. Wonder on ; 
I find Leandro has obtained admittance : 
Success 1 wish him ; surely he deserves it ; 
He is a royal fellow, yet maintains 
A mean in all his courses ; careful too 
On whom to shower his bounties ; he who gives 
To all alike may do a good by chance, 
But never out of judgment. 

Seb. Spare your praises, 
Unless you mean to speak them to his face ; 
Running he comes this way, and out of breath, 
In chase of his first fee ; Leandro, welcome ; 

enter leandro. 

Thou lookst most sillily. 

Gas. Like a young clerk, 
A puppy that would write for half a rial ; 
This is a commanding shape to win a beauty ! 

Leand. A truce to your remarks: I'm in great 
haste. 

Gas. To do the lawyer's errand. 

Leand. And my own. 

Seb. How speeds your suit ? is Amaranta kind ? 

Leand. Good fellows, and dear friends, you must 
assist me ; 
For Bartolo has sworn to keep the house ; 
Some plan you must contrive to draw him thence. 
His vulnerable side with golden prongs 
I've probed already : coin some rare invention; 
I'll realize it at whatever cost. 
Seek Lopez ; he has a prevailing wit. 
Adieu, { must away ; a lady's fate 



Act IN] KFSS 37 

Hangs on my expedition. 

Gas. Stay ; Octavio 
Is just arrived. 

Leand, I'll see him speedily. 
Farewell : remember, show yourselves my friends. 

[exit into the house 
Gas. The project shall not languish. To the cu- 
rate; 
And lest he stand upon his honesty, 
We must alarm him with the threat of justice. 

Seb. Fear not the conscience of this ghostly man, 
It can digest the heaviest substance ; gold. 
A very ostrich stomach. 
Gas. See, he comes. 
How pleased he looks ; sure he has bought some pre- 
bend, 
Some wealthy benefice of little labor. 
His eye hath caught us. (they retire) 

enter lopez and diego. 

Lop. Diego, who are these ? 

Die. I know not. Do they seek the grand elixir. 
Or b;ing they dross, for you to turn to gold ? 

Lop. Another don Alonzo, now. 

Die. Ay, marry, 
Or any one that sends you so much money 
Let him be who he will. 

Lop. Would ye with me, sirs ? 

Gas We have some business with you. 

Lop. Have you letters, 
Or any kind remembrances ! 

Seb. Remembrances ! 

Lop. From Mexico, or other parts remote. 
You look like travell'd men ; from some old friend 
That haply 1 forgot ; some loving signiors 
In China or Japan ; some dear companion 
Now with the great mogul? 

Gas. We will inform you. 

Lop. Or came ye from Peru ? look they not, Diego, 
As if they had some mystery about them ? 



38 THE [Clarke 

Would ye be private ? 

Gas. There's no need on't, sir. 
We bring you a remembrance from a merchant. 

Lop. Tis very well ; belike 1 know him. 

Seb. No, sir ; 
I do not think you do. 

Lop. A new mistake ; 
Let's carry it decently, {aside) 

Gas. We came to tell you, 
That you've received large sums from a young factor 
They call Leandro, who has robb'd his master : 
Robb'd him, and run away, sir. 

Die. This is news 
That comes from a cold country. 

Lop. Yes, it freezes. 

Gas Is not this true ? now, curate, do you shrink ? 
Do we not touch you ? 

Lop. I beseech you, sir, 
We have a hundred ducats left. 

Seb. Youll hang both. 

Lop. One may suffice. 

D>.e. I'll not hang alone : 
I had the least part, you shall hang the higbest. 
Plague of this Tiveria and the letter ; 
The devil sent it post to pepper us. 

Gas. If you are penitent, we'll have compassion. 

Lop. We are poor men, and humble, sir ; command 
us. 

Gas. You shall have more gold, and not be endan- 
ger'd. 
Leandro has an honorable suit 
To the fair Amaranta. 

Lop. Has he so ? 
I love him for't. 

Gas. But you must show your love, 
In lending him your help to gain him means 
And opportunity. 

Lop. He shall want for nothing. 

Gas. The tale I told was but to frighten ye ; 
Leandro's truly noble. 



Act IV] KISS # 39 

Die. Ay, I thought so, 
To help him we will handsomely endeavor. 

Gas. Old Bartolo with such a jealous care 
Secures the maid, that all Leandro's wishes 
Are ineffectual. Draw him from the house ; 
Tempt him from brooding o'er this tender chick, 
And the fond lovers may escape their cage. 

Lop. I'm honey'd with the project ; say no more : 
I know my advocate to a hair ; and what 
Will draw him from his prayers, if he use any. 
I owe him an old grudge ; I'd have him vex'd. 

Seb. But you lose time. 

Lop. Tis working in my brain. 
Let us be gone. Diego must bear his part : 
A sharp and subtle knave ; give him but hints, 
And he will amplify. I'll tell you further 
As we walk on. 

Seb. Now should Leandro fail — 

Gas. Ill give him o'er. 

Lop Tush, tush, he's in the vein : 
I I'll fetch my lawyer with a vengeance forth, 
And you shall have a merry scene to boot. [exeunt 

END OF THE THIRD ACT. 



ACT IV. 

scene i — the countesses apartment. 

olmedo enters, throws himself into a chair, in great 
perturbation — orelia enters from the inner apart- 
ment — as she approaches, she smiles affectionately 
upon him. 

Olm. Yet, what an air of innocence she carries. 
O woman, nature who denied thee strength, 
With art made ample recompense. Conviction 
By means unsought hath brought the treason home. 
My eyes have seen the token of my shame. 



40 THE [Clarke 

Ore. Are you not well, Olmedo ? 

Olm. Well, thou traitress — (to himself) 

Ore. Why are you thus disturb'd ? some sudden ill- 
ness 
Beats through your veins and flushes in your face. 
Come, lean upon my bosom, pillow'd here, 
Distraction shall be lull'd and anguish sleep. 

Olm. What have 1 lost ! what have I lost ! o love. 

Ore. Where is your pain ? forgotten are my wrongs, 
I am your wife to sooth your sufferings still. 
These tears are witness. 

Olm. Tears. Can tears be false ? 
The tears of crocodiles, my damning proof 
Would silence incredulity itself. 
Softly — with art I must encounter art : [aside) 
Your hand, Orelia : weep no more — I'm well. 

(taking her hand) 
Methinks I miss a ring from off your finger. 

Ore. Fatal imprudence ! twill confirm his doubts. 

Olm. The other hand — this finger — this and this. 
O vacancy, the seal of dread assurance ! 
Produce the ring. 

Ore. What ring ? the ruby, love, 
Or that of emerald with diamonds set, 
Or pearl, remembrance of young Florio's death ; 
Transient memorial, what if it be lost, 
Our hearts retain his value. 

Olm. O refined 
Dissimulation, (aside) Not the ruby, love, 
Nor that of emerald with diamonds set, 
Nor pearl, remembrance of young Florio's death. 

Ore. Which is it then ? 

Olm. The onyx, carved by art 
With such rare excellence, a ransack'd province 
Could not supply its equal — find me that, 
Or by the saints such imputation rests 
Upon thy fame, as ages cannot cure. 

Ore. Perchance some villain hath purloin'd the treas- 
ure, 
And thence you take occasion to upbraid me. 



Act I?] KISS 41 

What vision moves you thus ? 

Olm. This very morning, 
Upon the ringer of a dainty minion. 
Trimm'd at all poinds, the full -flush'd rose of youth 
Glow'd in his cheeks; I mark'd his Canton air; 
I say upon the hand of this Narcissus 
Did I behold your ring. 

Ore. O monstrous, ha ! ha ! ha ! 
Husband you rave. 

Olm. Laugh on ; that merry note 
May soon be changed to sadness: mark me, wife; 
If you produce not on the spot that ring, 
Renounce the name of modesty. We part 
Never to meet again. 

Ore. Can this be serious ? 

Olm. Search through your cabinet, unlock each 
drawer 
Where chance or carelessness might drop the jewel, 
Search with a lynx's eye. 

(Orelia pretends to look about) 

Ore. I cannot find it. 
Why thus attach importance to a trifle? 
Is it to try my patience ? 

Olm. Tis to try thee. 
This crisis of thy fate — produce the ring, 

(Leandro appears at the private door) 
And here I promise to renounce all doubts, 
All fears, all jealousies, confess myself 
The veriest slave that e'er suspicion haunted. 

Ore. I'm an unhappy woman. 

(Olmedo having sunk into his chair, Orelia 
perceives Leandro, zcho restores the ring) 

Olm. Freedom's thine, 
Rule and dominion ; take whatever pleasure 
Thy heart may prompt ; command whate'er thou wilt, 
Obsequious I'll obey : my love, my wealth 
I offer at thy feet ; produce the ring, 
That is the sole condition. 

Ore. You'll retract. 

Olm. No, on my life ; I know too *vell my ground. 
E 



42 THE [Clarke 

Ore. How frail is memory, how could I forget 
My purse contain'd the bauble. Look you, sir, 
Is this the ring or no ? 

(she bakes the ring from her purse and puis it 
on her finger) 

Olm. Nay, yes, tis magic. 
Let me examine ; tis reality ; 
I feel — I grasp it ; by the sight alone 
I would not trust ; the pleasure's so extreme : 
Forgive me, wife, that e'er I could suspect thee, 
My gentle mistress, be yourself again : 
Enjoy the world that you were born to grace. 

Ore I thank your courtesy, but hear me, count ; 
My turn is now to chide — and thank Leandro 
I have abundant scope, (aside) You have immured 

me, 
Exposed me to the censure of rude tongues. 

Olm. I own twas most unjust, but duty call'd ; 
The vigilance of honor urged me on, 
Deluded and deceived: if e'er you loved me, 
Twill be an easy lesson to forgive. 

Ore. That's not the question now, my fame's im- 
peach'd, 
My brother's sanction only sets me free. 

Olm. Pardon, forget what's past, and go with me. 

Ore. I quit not. sir, this room. 

Olm. Come, come, tis over : 
On this dear hand I print the ardent pledge 
Of happy years to come ; will you not go ? 

Ore. I will not, sir. 

Olm. Perverse, you scorn my love ? 

Ore. My resolution's fix'd. 

Olm. Keep to it then ; 
At once you please and pain, distract and sooth me. 

{exit 

Ore. Blest be the chance that brought Leandro back : 
Twas a hard struggle not to speak forgiveness, 
But since the world was witness to my wrongs, 
The reparation must be public too. 

[exit into the inner charter 



ActlVJ KISS 43 

scene ii — a room in bartolo's house, 
enter bartolo, amaranta,^ phcebe. 

Bart. Is not this better now, than walking out ? 
Or gazing till your eyes ake from the window ? 

Amar. I am well satisfied to keep at home. 

Bart. You shall not want amusement — bring the 
chess-board ; 
Let's have a game : I'll try your mastery. 

Amar. As learned as you are, sir, I shall beat you. 
(Pfiaebe brings in a chess board) 

Bart. Come, set it down, are the men duly placed ? 
Chess helps to settle a young woman's brain, 
Now we play on. 

Amar. But I'll have the first move. 

Bart. Well, so you shall, and pray you lose no time. 

Amar. 1 do not mean it. (they play) 

Bart. Sweet, your knight's in danger. 

Amar. It's time, I show my skill, apnxTbring him off 
then. 

Bart. Now for a bold move. 

Amar. I have one still bolder 
In contemplation, that you little dream of. 

(.some one knocks) 

Bart. Who's there ? I come ; you cannot scape me 
now. 

Amar. Yes, but I'll try for't, sir. 

Bart. Who's there ? I say. (a knock again) 
Play quickly, niece. 

Amar. As quickly as I can, sir ; 
First I must think a little. 

Bart. Phcebe — Perez, (a knock again) 
Where are you ? ever absent or asleep. 
Leandro. 

enter leandro. 

-Pr'ythee pupil, at the door 

See who it is that wants me: move, my girl. 
Le&nd. What killing looks she steals. 

[exit Leandro 



44 THE [Clarke 

Bart. Why child you are lost. 
Amar. I am, indeed 
Bart. Come play, ere 1 am call'd. 
Amar. J must have furthe time to look about me. 
Bart. What wrangling knaves can want to speak 
with me ? 

enter leandro. 

Leand. The worthy curate waits to see your wor- 
ship. 
He'll not come in, but prays you to go to him ; 
He's in great haste, it is some urgent business. 

Bart. Observe the men, and do not alter them ; 
I'll presently come back. [exit 

Leand. Dear Amaranta, 
The time has bless'd us both, love bids us use it ; 
Lopez has found the means to set us free. 

Amar. Will you not think me light if thus I yield ? 

Leand. Necessity acquits you, trust.me sweet ; 
I bring a whole heart to you, here I give it ; 
Upon the burning altar of true love, 
On those divine lips — where perpetual spring grows, 
I pledge eternal faith. 

(as he salutes her, Amaranta overturns the chess- 
board) 

enter bartolo and lopez. 

Bart. What noise was that ? 

Leand. Ay. tis all over ; 
I am discovered, lost — I shall be hooted at. 

Bart. Why do those lie here ? 

Amar. Only a chance — your pupil said he play'd 
well, 
And I unwilling to sit long time idle, 
Permitted him to undertake your game ; 
He so endangered me 1 thought a!l lost, 
But bringing off my queen, 1 heard you coming 
And rose o' the sudden smilingly to show you ; 
JMy apron caught the chess board and the men ; 
And so the noise was. 



Act IV] KISS 45 

Leand. Admirably turn'd ; 
My hopes revive. 

Bart. Well, well ; again at supper 
We'll try another match, go to you chamber. 

[exit Amaranta 

Lop. Peace be with you daughter, leave us good 
Leandro. [exit Leandro 

Bart, ls't possible he should be rich. 

Lop. Most possible ; 
He has been long, though but by little gettings 
Drawing together. 

Bart. Reckoned a poor sexton ; 
Honest, poor Diego. 

Lop. A close fellow, sir ; 
Both close and scraping, and that fills the bags. 

Bart. A notable good fellow too. 

Lop. Sometimes, sir ; 
But always with an eye to business. 

Bart. So many thousands. 

Lop. Heaven knows what. 
. Bart. Tis strange ; 
Tis very strange, we see what by endeavor 
And honest labor — 

Lop. Milo, by continuance, 
Grrew from a silly calf, your worship's reverence, 
To carry a bull, a penny, then a pound, sir ; 
And from one pound to many, tis the progress. 

Bart . You say true, but he loved to feed well also ; 
And that methinks, sir — 

Lop. From another's trencher ; 
And where he found it season'd with small charge, 
There he would play the tyrant, and devour ye 
More than the graves he made ; at home he lived 
jpLike a camelion, suck'd the air of misery, 
jAnd grew fat by the brewis of an egg shell ; 
Smelling a cook shop would go home and surfeit 3 
And be a month in fasting out that fever. 

Bart. These are good symptoms, does he lie s® 
sick ? 

Lop. O very sick> 
E2 



m THE [Clarke 

Bart. And chosen me executor* 

Lop. Only your worship. 

Bart. Ha ! no hope of his amendment 

Lop. None that we find. 

Mart. H ath he no kinsmen neither ? 

Lop. Faith, very few. 

Bart. His mind will be the quieter ; 
What doctors has he ? 

Lop He believes in none, sir. 

Bart. They are but needless things in such extrem- 
ities ; 
Who draws the good man's will ? 

Lop. That must I do, sir, 
And to my grief. 

Bart. Grief will do little now, sir ; 
Draw it to your content, and as I counsel : 
An honest man — but such men live not always ; 
Who are about him ? 

Lop. Many, now he's passing ; 
Some gentlemen who'd fain be of his kindred, 
Rich men can want no heirs, sir. 

Bart. They do ill, 
Indeed they do, to trouble him ; very ill, sir ; 
But we shall take a care— bring me my cloak. 
A vow had bound me not to quit the house, 
But t^is extremity absolves my oath ; 
Prudence however will secure my treasure. 

(locks the door and takes the key) 
Now, Lopez, I attend you. 

Lop. Benedicite. [exeunt 

enter leanero. 

Leand. The priest plays well his part ; yes, there 
they go ; 
Theology and law ; two neat professors : 
They turn the corner of the street together, 
And now they vanish ; Amaranta — love : 
Ha ! lock'd and fast, ridiculous precaution ; 
One blow defeats it. 

{he breaks open the doer with his foot) 



Act IV] KISS 47 

Now or never sweet one, 

Kind opportunity invites our fortune, [exit at the door 



scene in — a mean apartment in diego's house, 
enter diego, Sebastian, and gaspar. 

Gas. I wonder Lopez and .he lawyer come not ; 
When they arrive, play the knave finely, Diego, 
And give Leandro time. 

Die. I warrant you. 

Gas. Here is your chair, your gallipots and phials ; 
With all the apparatus of the sick ; 
You look not pale enough. 

Die. I'll find the craft to cozen that old knave. 
Trust me I'll bring your friend in safety through. 

Seb. Peace, they are coming. 

(Diego counterfeits the sick man) 

Gas. O good friends, walk in. 

enter lopez and bartolo. 

Lop. Is he no better ? signiors, raise him up ; 
Give him fresh air. 

Bart. I am sorry peighbor J)iego 
To find you in so weak a state. 

Die. You are welcome ; 
But I am fleeting, sir. 

Bart. Methinks he looks well. 
His color fresh and strong, his eyes are cheerful. 

Lop. A glimmering before death, tis nothing else. 

Die. My learned sir, pray sit ; I'm bold to send 
for you 
To take the care of what I leave. 

Lop. D'ye note that ? 

Die. My worthy neighbors weep not, I must leave 
you; 
I cannot always bear you company; 
Pray, master curate write my testament. 
Your worship 1 do make my full executor, 
You are a man of wit and understanding. 



48 THE [Clarke 

— Give me a cup of wine to raise ray spirits, 
For I speak low ; I would before these neighbors 
Have you to swear that you'll see executed, 
What I shall ieave. 

Bart. I vow it truly, friends ; 
Let not that trouble you : before all these, 
Once more 1 give my oath. 

Lop. We are ready for you. 

Gas. Now spur the ass, get our friend time. 

{apart to Diego) 

Die. First then— 

Lop. Remember your parish, neighbor. 

Die. You speak wisely ; 
I do remember it, a wanton parish, 
And pray it may be mended. 

Lop. What d'ye give to 't ? 

Die. Set down one thousand ducats. 

Bart. A good gift, 
And will be long remember'd. 

Die. To your worship, 
I give two thousand more, it may be three, sir ; 
A poor gratuity for your pains taking. 

Bart. These are large sums. 

Lop. Nothing to him that has them, 

Die. Now for yourself good curate, write five 
hundred. 

Bart. This fellow coins sure. 

Die. Give me some more drink ; 
To all bell ringers, I bequeath new ropes ; 
And let them use them at their own discretion. 

Lop. He raves a little. 

Bart. Have you more to leave ? 
Die. Only to pious uses, sir, a trifle, 
I give three hundred crowns to buy a church-yard. 

Bart. A what ! 

Die. A spacious church yard to lay thieves aircl 
knaves ip ; 
Rich men and honest men take all the room up. 

Bart. Tis a mad legacy. 

Die, Twas got as madly. 



Act IVJ KISS 49 

My sheep, my oxen, and my moveables, 
My plate, my jewels, and five hundred acres, 
I have no heirs. 

Bart. This cannot be, tis monstrous. 

Die. Three ships at sea too. 

Bart. You have made me full executor ! 

Die. Full— full and total ; would I'd more to give 
you: 
But this may serve an honest mind. 

Bart. You say true, 
A very honest mind, and make it rich too ; 
Rich, wondrous rich ; but where to raise these mo» 

nies ; 
About your house I see no such great promise : 
Where shall I find these sums ? 

Die. Even where you please, sir: 
You are wise and provident, and know business ; 
Raise them where you think good, I'm reasonable,. 

Bart. Think good ! will that raise thousands ? 
What d'ye make me ? 

Die. You have sworn to see it done, that's all my 
comfort. 

Bart. I am abused, betray'd, laugh'd at, and 
scorn'd. 

Gas. No : you are fool'd. 

Lop. Most handsomely and neatly, 
Such cunning masters must be fool'd sometimes, sir. 

Seb. And now we hope Leandro reaps the profit. 

Bart. My niece — my niece — that villain that 

Leandro : 
I'm fool'd indeed — the lawyer is an ass ; 
A weak, dull, shallow ass : 1 do confess it : 
I am ashamed to think how flat I'm cheated. 
A trick — a damn'd trick : but I will be revenged 
Curate, remember curate ; rascal, remember, 
Thou notable rich rascal. 

Die. Stay a little, 
We've two more legacies to close your mouth up. 

Gas. Now to congratulate Leandro's fortune. 

[exeunt laughing 

END OF THE FOURTH ACT. 



50 THE [Clarkt 

A C T V. 

scene i — orelia's apartment. 
olmedo enters. 

Olm. She is retired to rest, perverse and sullen : 
I co aid have sworn the ring 1 saw was hers ; 
How can I reconcile such contradictions 
Against my sense believing in my sense ! 
Her conduct too, so strange and unexpected ; 
A woman that disdains her husband's love 
Gives ample scope for doubt ; I shall relapse — — - 
O torturing passion, well I must forget : 

(he goes to the door of the inner chamber) 
Orelia speak to me — are you not well ? 
This silence is unkind ; 1 came to cheer you : 
How ! what means this ? not here ! Orelia fled ! 
A private door ! o horrible conviction ! 
Idiot, to trust to locks, or bolts, or chains — 
Woman's contrivance can defeat them all. 

[exit at the private dcor 

after a little time olmedo is heard speaking in a 
loud tone, and enters pulling in the landlady. 

Olm. Come forth thou hag, thou accessary witch ; 

And let me see thy face and know thy dealings 

What dost thou here ? who art thou? what's thy 
calling ? 

LandL i am a very honest ancient woman, 
Landlady to the house. 

Olm. A fine profession S 
What and you entertain young gallants, do you, 
To break through doors into your neighbors dwell- 
ing ? 

Landl. This used to be tis true, a private door, 
But it has many years been fasten'd up. 

Olm. I'll have thee rack'd. 

Landl. Pity my sex's weakness. 

Olm. Deserve my pity — tell me where to find them* 

Landl, Alas! find whom, sir? 

Olm. Thou deceitful jade ! 



, 



i 
f 



Act VJ KISS 51 

Pretending ignorance ; find whom ? the countess : 
Hast thou conceal'd her? tell me, has she fled? 
Fled with the clerk you harbor'd ? 

Landl. Sir, my credit 
Stoops not to take such lodgers : clerks indeed ! 
The inmate of my house was a young officer, 
A brave and handsome man, liberal and courteous. 
One that kept company with lords and ladies ; 
Many there came to see him. 

Olm. O no doubt on't ; 
A choice seraglio, full of melting beauties, 
j Landl. Money to him was dirt beneath his feel, 
That I will say ; as generous as the sun too ; 
And as I said a handsome youth : such eyes ! 

Olm. Peace, thou eternal boder of ill fate ! 
Roberto, Pedro — 

enter servants. 
Seize that prating beldam 
And bring her with you ; follow on your lives j 
I will search every corner: if I find thee 
To be assistant in these deeds of darkness, 
Thou shalt be flay'd alive. 

Landl. The signior whom you seek has left the 
house : 
A lady with him ? there were two, two ladies, 
Did they belong to you ? they are gone together 
To a mask'd ball at the Fontana d'Oro. 

Olm.. How : dare the public eye ! invite dishonor? 
Wei!, they shall find their portion, I will meet them : 
Bring her along. 

Ped. Proceed fair gentlewoman. 

Landl. I'm your servant. 

[exeunt zoith great ceremony at the private door 



scene ii — the street, 
enter bartolo with two officers. 
Bart I will have warrants, executions, writs ! 



52 THE [Clarke 

Greater and lesser excommunications ; 
The whole law's apparatus shall revenge me : 
Such deep indignity ! affront so monstrous ! 
My niece — and all her portion lost completely. 

enter lopez and diego. 

That knavish priest, and still more knavish sexton : 
At the bare mention of their names I've raised them ; 
Thou Judas where's my niece ? where is Leandro ? 
Come, render up accounts thou wicked Judas. 

Lop. Repress your choler, they are not far distant. 

enter leandro and amaranta. 

Bart. I cannot bear to see them ; yes, you fool'd 
me ; 
And thought it meritorious to abuse me, 
And glorified your wits the more you wrong'd me ; 
But I'll requite you for't ; d'ye know this writing, 
What its contents ? 

Lop. A strong citation ; bless me. 

Bart. Out with your beads ; bell, book and candle, 
curate. 

Lop. A warrant to appear before the judges. 

Bart. D'ye see these men ? they are apparitors 
That come to tell you a delightful story 
Of broken vows of celibacy, and to teach you 
What is the penalty ; laugh at me now, sir. 
What legacy will you bequeath me now, 
And pay it on the nail to stay my fury. 

Lop. O, gentle sir. 

Bart. Dost hope I will be gentle? 
Thou inconsiderate, foolish, wicked curate. 

Lop. Hark in your ear, hark softly. 

Bart. No, no bribery : 
I'll have my swinge upon thee, sirrah, rascal, 

(to Diego) 
You lenten chaps, you that lay sick and mock'd me, 
Mock'd me abominably, abused me grossly, 
I'll make thee sick at heart before I leave thee ; 
And groan and die indeed, and be worth nothing. 



Act V] KISS 53 

Not worth a blessing or a passing knell, 
Or sheet to cover thee, but what thou stolest ; 
Stolest from the merchant with his diamond ring, 
Stolest from his grave ; dost understand me now ? 

Die. Have mercy on me. 

Bart. Mercy on thee, mercy ? 
No psalm of mercy shall save thee from hanging : 
Now runagates, your turn ; seize on that lady, 

(to Leandro and Amaranta) 
She is my niece; by all the laws of Spain, 
I am her guardian and her sole protector : 
Replace her in my charge. 

Leand. One minute stay ; 
I have not stopp'd the current of your anger, 
Thinking that at its ebb, you would hear reason : 
This lady by a stronger claim than yours 
Owns me as her protector ; the strong tie 
That binds a wife's obedience. 

Bart. Wife ? pretence ; 
Obtain'd by fraud ; weak, shallow subterfuge : 
If my consent be wanting, tis a reed, 
A straw, a nothing : by the laws invalid: 
— Seize on the lady. 

Leand. Hold — the king's authority, 
At all times I am ready to obey ; 
But now it is another argument: 
That in my friend's defence I seem'd regardless. 
Must be explain'd by what I now produce. 
Know you this paper ? by a lucky chance, 
Amongst some records in your study, Bartolo, 
I stumbled on it: look at its contents, 
Shall I proclaim them ? shall 1 bring forth witness 
To swear before a judge, th' usurious villanies 
Which it contains ? 

Bart. O careless fool ! o ruin ! 

Leand. The scroll of widows' tears and orphans' 
curses. 

Lop. Some comfort come at last. 

Die. Most seasonably. 
F 



5* THE [Clarke 

Leand. What will you have me say, sir? 

Bart. There's no remedy ; 
Expose me not in the decline of life 
To public censure ; Amaranta's yours. 
Your friends are free ; the injuries there writ down 
I'll study to redress. 

Leand. The bargain's struck : 
Your hand upon it, sir. 

Bart. Tis vain to struggle, 
Take it before these witnesses. 

Leand. Tis well, sir : 
When restitution's made, this paper's youre, 
Till then as evidence it rests with me. 

Bart. Complaint is useless, [ would fain go home ; 
Wer't not for this discovery you had smarted. 

(to Lopez and Diego) 
But go in peace : when next you play the fool, 
Come not to me for pastime. 

Lop. We'll be hang'd first. 

Die. And so with thanks we part, (to Leandro) 

Amar. Dearest Leandro, 
Though even by you protected, still I tremble. 

Leand. The present fear oft heightens future pleas- 
ure : 
Sweet, let us haste to the Fontana d'Oro, 
For whilst Orelia's fate remains in danger, 
Trust me, my duties are but half fulfilled. [exeunt 



scene in — a grand saloon in which are seen masks 
of various characters. 

a dance — after which enter octavio, orelia, lean- 
dro, AMARANTA, GASPAR and SEBASTIAN, f» OTW' 

querade. 

Ore. Octavio, once more welcome : tis to you 
The spell bound captive owes her wish'd release ; 
In vain Leandro blew the warder's horn, 



Act V] KISS 55 

And pass'd the bridge in chivalrous attack ; 
Your presence only could dissolve the charm. 

Oct. Yet he, fair dame of the enchanted tower, 
I judge could best effeet a lady's rescue. 

Leand. Grant me at least the merit of the at- 
tempt. 

Gas. O certainly ; his merit with the fair : 
Yet lady, 1 shall not forego my share in't: 
Had I been silent you were still a prisoner. 

Ore. I rally, sir. But could you see my heart, 
Tis like a flatter'd coward ; to the battle 
At length urged on, I tremble for my safety, 
And fain would quit the field. 

Oc'. Maintain your spirits 
But half an hour, and victory will smile : 
Propp'd by allies so firm, your cause is won. 

Gas. Our suit and service are at your command, 

Seb Dream not of danger. 

Oct. Peace ; put on your masks, 
Olmedo turns through yonder gaudy troop, 
And bends this way with scrutinizing looks. 
Now to your cue. 

enter olmedo, who attentively regards the group. 

Leand. The project shall not fail. 

Olm. Tis she ! attended too by such a train. 

(Leandro takes Orelia's hand and kisses it) 

Leand. A sacrifice accepted at this shrine, 
Is ample recompense, fair saint, for all 
The perils in my pilgrimage endured. 

Ore. Nay, hermit ; not with idly counting beads, 
Or chanting orisons to midnight stars 
By rubric forms, expect to win my favor: 
Unfold yourself a prompt and gallant knight, 
Prepared by valor to redress my wrongs ; 
He who wins me, must like a hero dare. 

Olm, {comes forward) She tells you true — essay 
your prowess here, {drawing) 



56 THE [Clarke 

Leand. A sudden challenge : well, sir, I may meet 
it. 

Olm. Have I broke in upon the house of riot, 
Like dawning light into a den of fiends ; 
Now madam — what your answer ? what excuse 
To a wrong'd husband's feelings ? you are silent — 
Some sense of shame remains, why have you forced 

me 
Thus to expose you to the world's reproach ? 
What strange infatuation, what cursed demon 
Moves you to set at nought fame, fortune, friends ? 
Expostulate I cannot ; my torn heart 
Resigns you to your fate : come on — vile paramour. 

Ore. Stay count Olmedo : why ? you justly ask, 
Thus publicly I seek to challenge censure ;" 
Be this my answer : public was your charge, 
So be the exculpation. 

Olm. Exculpation! 
Before my presence to repeat offence ! 

Ore. What ills can rage inflict upon itself! 
My friends unmask ; here is a face you know. 

(they unmask) 

Olm. Octavio ! 

Ore. He, sir — whose fraternal hand 
I promised should alone release my chains ; 
Octavio ! he — sir, from whose guardian care 
Ycu once received with ecstacy your bride, 
And vow'd assurances of lasting love: 
Whose is the pledge that has been best fulfilled ? 

Oct. We will not trifle with your feelings, count, 
Persuade yourself ev'n in a sister's cause 
I'd not abet dishonor. 

Olm. I believe you : 
But it is passing strange ! this gentleman, (to Leandro) 
Does he perpetually wear disguises : 
Now as a soldier ! now as a mere clerk ? 

Leand. The cause and the apology behold : 

(present r>g Amarania) 
The niece of Bartolo— but now my wife ; 



v 



Act V] KISS 

Does she not justify the stratagem ? 

But to explain appearances ; this lady, (to Orelia) 

By chance discovered through the secret door, 

Commission'd me to bear her ring as witness 

To gain Octavio's trust , you know what follow'd, 

And how that mystery explains itself. 

Gas, Let never husband trust his eyes again. 

Leand. Or ears my lord, for I can tell you more ; 
At Palma as I wander'd some days since, 
To snatch by stealth my charmer's promised vow ; 
One evening as we walk'd to shun observance 
I Upon your confines near the jasmine bower ; 
When Amaranta own'd at last, her love, 
I seal'd the soft confession with a kiss: 
Steps then we heard, but gliding through the boughs 
We unobserved escaped. 

Gas. A cunning fellow, 
I always said Leandro was the man ; 
So is the kiss explain'd. 

01 m. I see my folly. 

Leaid. Little [ dream'd the echo of that bliss 
Couid have produced such unexpected mischief. 

Gas. In truth a very innocent young man ! 

Oct. I am the surety of Leandro's honor ; 
Olmedo, take this hand and all's forgotten. 

(presenting Orelia) 

Olm. Welcome, as on the morn twas first bestow'd ; 
I have been much to blame ; Orelia pardon. 
You know my sentiments, I'll not repeat them. 

Ore. Tears scarcely let me speak, 1 feel your kind- 
ness : 
And own, had I assumed a gentler tone, 
More as the wife than the offended woman, 
Much anguish had been spared. 

Olm. No more— no more ; 
Oniy congratulations must be heard ; 
Fair excellence, may long delights be yours : 

(to Amaranta) 
Leandro — fortune smiles upon our course ; 






58 



THE KISS 



On me, my love, would censure justly fall 
Had not your kind indulgence seal'd my peace. 

TW ir Jf s l k,ndness , e q«al my indulgence, 
I he follies of to-day are all forgiven. 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 






MMIH 

014 457 749 8 



THE END OF THE gtfft, 



?Russ 

■ CvsUs 

/fit 




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